Each year we choose a group of People To Watch who embody the spirit of the creative community. The criteria: individuals who we have come to know and respect for a combination of talent, leadership, success, insight, business savvy, community service and newsworthiness.

It is a subjective process — this is a field deep with special people doing special things — and we admit our limitations upfront. That was never more clear to us than when—for the first time — we asked our online readers to nominate someone for selection. And were inundated by absolutely outstanding selections, many with whom we were not so familiar.

An editorial goal for 2009 is to get to know many of those put forth by their peers more closely and to give them opportunities for exposure in GDUSA.

That said, we are exceedingly pleased with our own selections in GDUSA's 46th year of People To Watch. We believe that after you read this special report, you will agree that we have done pretty darn well.